The medicinal plants have a heritage that can be considered invaluable especially in sub-Saharan Africa since the use of traditional medicine is very much rooted into the culture and health practices of the local population. In the urban social places, which are called “bistros” in Abidjan, the use of koutoukou, alcoholic drink made out of palm wine, is often combined with the use of medicinal plants having proven biological properties through empirical research carried out by the locals. The present study was conducted with the aim of inventorying and analysing the medicinal plants used in the bistros of the city of Abidjan. Four districts (Abobo, Cocody, Koumassi and Yopougon) were surveyed, encompassing a total of 347 bistros. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with the relevant stakeholders, twelve medicinal plant species were identified and ranked according to their cultural importance. Three species (Garcinia kola, Zingiber officinale and Moringa oleifera) stand out with an RFC of 100%, reflecting a strong consensus regarding their recognised biological properties: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Additionally, two species, Enantiapolycarpa and Carapa procera, with an RFC of 75%, are employed in the traditional treatment of malaria. This study confirms that the bistros of Abidjan constitute unsuspected ethnobotanical resources, the rigorous scientific exploration of which opens up promising prospects for the valorisation and promotion of traditional African medicine.
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